Highgate Liberal Democrat councillor steps down

3.40.24pm GMT Mon 21st Jan 2008

Highgate councillor Justin Portess has stepped down from office due to increased work commitments

Highgate Lib Dem councillor Justin Portess has announced that he is stepping down from Haringey Council, with immediate effect. In a letter to the Council's Chief Executive, Justin has written that he and his wife had made the decision as they are expecting their first child and will be moving out of the Highgate area shortly.

In his letter, Justin Portess writes:

"It is with great regret that I write to inform you of my resignation as a Highgate Ward Councillor, with immediate effect.

"My wife and I are expecting our first child in the Spring and we have taken the decision to move out of Haringey in February. This major change of circumstances, coupled with increased and changing work commitments, means I feel I may be unable to give the role of Highgate Councillor the time that it deserves in the coming period.

"I would like to take this opportunity to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed being a Councillor in Highgate. It has been a privilege to serve such a vibrant and articulate community, working on the many issues that are raised with us as Liberal Democrat Councillors for the area."

Lib Dem Leader and fellow Highgate Councillor, Neil Williams, comments:

"I'm extremely sorry to lose Justin from the Council and as ward colleague. He has been a fantastic colleague in Highgate, and I have hugely enjoyed working with him on Highgate issues, not least, most recently, over the future of Jackson's Lane. He will be very much missed by the whole of the Lib Dem Group, and we all wish Justin and his family well.

ENDS